855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 436
Extracted Content
Calculating Product Category Achievement
Project teams can decide how many product categories to attempt to earn points. To achieve one point, the project demonstrates meets or exceeds the threshold for each product category. This can be based on cost, surface area, volume, or number of units, depending upon the measurement methods available for each product category. Project teams can choose different measurement types to measure progress towards achievement if the measurement method is consistent in each product category. For example, a project could use “surface area” to demonstrate achievement of the Flooring category, “number of units” for the furniture category, and “volume” for the Adhesives and Sealants category.
Project teams are advised to set project-achievable category goals and research, specify, and track low- or non-emitting products in those categories according to the low-emitting criteria appropriate for the products. A targeted approach focusing on specific products, or product categories, is likely to be more manageable and successful than amassing documentation for all products in every category and determining attempted categories post-construction. Additionally, aiming for 100% compliance within a category, when possible, may simplify the process by eliminating the need to track individual units.
This credit will be documented by product category using the LEED materials calculator. Note that this calculator is combined with the MRc4: Building Product Selection and Procurement calculator. Teams are encouraged to combine submittal reviews and product vetting with the criteria found in both credits to maximize credit achievement and harmonize product selection, specification, and documentation processes.
Except for the overall product exclusions stated in the Requirements, all permanently installed, nonstructural products — within and inclusive of the project’s air barrier membrane — must be in the calculation for the attempted categories. These products are expected to impact indoor air quality and can be tested in alignment with the low-emitting criteria. Products installed in parking garages and basements are to be included, as these spaces are occupied by people, even if intermittently.
Product categories which have no applicable products installed (i.e., they are not in the project scope of work) are not eligible to attempt the category.
PAINTS AND COATINGS
This category applies to products covered in CSI Masterformat 09 90 00 Painting and Coating . Exterior painting, staining and finish can be excluded. Exterior paint cannot be excluded from the calculation if used indoors. Aerosol products are included. Coatings also includes sealers which are products applied to either block materials from penetrating into or leaching out of a
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 426